UPDATE: Franciscan brother stabbed himself to death, officials report

A Franciscan friar named in sex abuse settlements at Warren John F. Kennedy High School stabbed himself to death today, authorities report.

Blair Township (pa.) Police Chief Roger White told the Associated Press that an autopsy by the Blair County coroner had confirmed that 62-year-old Brother Stephen Baker died of self-inflicted knife wounds.

White said officers were called at about 7:35 a.m. Saturday to St. Bernardine Monastery, where another resident had found Baker not breathing. He declined to say how Baker died or whether he left a note.

The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown earlier said Father Patrick Quinn, provincial of the Franciscan order, had confirmed the death. Bishop George Murray called for prayers for abuse victims, Baker’s family “and the repose of his soul.”

Baker was also under investigation for sex-abuse allegations in Pennsylvania.

in fairness, whether this man was straight or gay has nothing to do with it. to live a life in celibacy is not natural and probably impossible for any human being. it's way past time for the catholic church to do away with this absurd requirement. and i am certainly not making excuses for him. i also fully understandwhy a 7-10 yr. old child would be frozen in fear under such circumstances, but for a, as reported, 14-17 young man to do nothing and say nothing, i find bizarre.